PANJIM: The capital city is sitting on a time bomb, not only because many buildings have hitherto failed to comply with fire safety norms, but also because there is rampant sale of fire crackers through temporary stalls/shops sans permission.

As per the information from the Fire and Emergency Services (FES), none of the temporary stalls/shops selling fireworks in the Panjim jurisdiction have complied with the guidelines under the Fire Safety Precautions as per the Fire Explosive Act 2008. Hence, FES has rejected their application and NOC for grant of temporary licence for acquisition and sale of explosives.

Also, it has been revealed that Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) has not granted any NOC for the same thus making it very clear that these temporary stalls/shops have been illegally selling fireworks.

As Herald visited certain spots in the city, it was visible that there was rampant sale of crackers through temporary structures.  

The Additional Collector had asked the FES and SDM to identify a spot in the city for setting up fire-cracker stalls and accordingly both the authorities identified a spot at SAG Campal. Later the CCP in a meeting with the stakeholders pitched for the place at SAG Campal which was out rightly rejected.

“As of now no temporary licence has been issued to any person for acquisition and sale of explosives. Before granting licence, we ask for police, fire and mamlatdar report. Those people who sell temporary definitely do not have licences,” said Deputy Collector (Dro) Amir Parab

Granting of NOC from FES requires the applicant complying with the guidelines/fire safety measures for issue of temporary explosive licence to store and sell explosives class-VII, DIV-2, SUB-DIV-1&2. 

“We have not given a clearance since they have not complied with the guidelines under the Fire Safety Precautions as per the Fire Explosive Act 2008,” said FES Fire Prevention Section Officer Ajit Kamat

As per the guidelines, to sell only amorces (this refers to percussion caps for toy pistols) and sparklers up to 100 kgs, you do not require a temporary licence. 

For selling fireworks up to 600 Kg, the temporary licence is granted by a District Dy Commissioner of Police.